• Key Insight: Discover how strategic office design interrupts "functional freeze" and boosts retention.
• What's at Stake: Rising stress undermines productivity; poor design risks turnover and higher operating costs.
• Supporting Data: Over 80% of US employees report workplace stress, per OSHA.
• Source: Bullets generated by AI with editorial review

Workplace stress has reached critical levels, with more than 80% of US employees reporting feeling stressed in the workplace, according to OSHA. Human resources leaders and facilities managers must find ways to reduce workloads and foster environments that actively support mental health. Thoughtful design can reduce stress in your office, and improve retention and productivity in your organization.

Mitigate the functional freeze response

Employees often experience anxiety when pressure mounts, and this can escalate into a state of dissociation known as "functional freeze." This state prevents action, hinders productivity, and takes a toll on your employees' mental well-being.

Design can play a pivotal role in helping staff navigate the functional freeze stress response. Introducing grounding elements into the office environment can help individuals reconnect with the present moment. Some examples of grounding elements include tactile surfaces, plants and natural textures, and areas for physical movement. Access to outdoor spaces or views of nature also provides the break some need to get out of a frozen state.

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Establish dedicated wellness sanctuaries

Open-plan offices foster collaboration but often lack spaces for decompression. Employees must be able to physically step away from the noise and demands of their desks without leaving the building.

Forward-thinking companies are incorporating wellness rooms in office design to solve this issue. These are intentional spaces that feature plush furniture and privacy. An effective wellness room creates a barrier between the employee and office stressors and signals that the organization values rest as much as output.

Optimize sensory inputs

Overstimulation from harsh lighting and constant noise triggers cortisol spikes. Design must address the senses to combat this. Here are some small adjustments you can make:

• Lighting: Prioritize natural light, or install daylight-mimicking fixtures rather than fluorescent bulbs.
• Acoustics: Use sound-absorbing materials such as acoustic panels or thick rugs to dampen distracting chatter.
• Color: Apply calming palettes such as sage greens, muted blues, or warm neutrals rather than aggressive reds.

Foster autonomy through flexibility

Stress often stems from a lack of control. Anxiety can increase when employees cannot adjust their environment to suit their needs. An effective design strategy includes flexible furniture and adjustable lighting. Providing tools for relaxation, such as adjustable seating or dimmable lights, empowers individuals to personalize their immediate surroundings.

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Practice thoughtful design to reduce stress in your office, and build a workplace where employees feel safe, valued, and capable of performing their best.